What is Exotropia?
Exotropia is a type of strabismus, or eye turn, in which one eye turns outward while the other eye remains straight ahead. It is sometimes referred to as "wall-eye" or "walleye." Exotropia can occur at any age, but it most commonly develops in children.
Symptoms of Exotropia
The most obvious symptom of exotropia is the outward turning of one eye. Other symptoms may include:
- Double vision
- Eyestrain
- Head tilting or turning
- Poor depth perception
- Difficulty with reading or other close work
Causes of Exotropia
Exotropia can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Weakness in the muscles that control eye movement
- Nerve damage
- An abnormality in the structure of the eye
- A family history of strabismus
- Brain injury or disease
Treatments for Exotropia
Treatment for exotropia depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Options may include:
- Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems
- Patching or covering the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker eye
- Eye muscle exercises to improve eye coordination
- Botulinum toxin injections to temporarily weaken the muscles that control eye movement
- Surgery to adjust the position of the eye muscles
Conclusion
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of exotropia, it is important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with exotropia can achieve good vision and eye alignment.